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Patient carers at the Kailiakuri hospital, Bangladesh - Source: ONE News -
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I've just popped another two paracetamol to help ease the aches of a nasty winter flu. Normal right? Well yes, I guess so in the developed world.
But as I took the two paracetamol I suddenly remembered a conversation I had a fortnight ago, with a doctor who runs a very basic rural hospital in Bangladesh. It certainly put my ailments into perspective.
We'd just been filming the Intensive Care unit of the Kailiakuri hospital (in a remote part of Northern Bangladesh). A hospital set up by an impressive kiwi, Dr Edric Baker.
The ICU consisted of wooden planks for beds (not mattresses) and there were five patients in the room with no drips, or machines, as one might expect.
Two of the patients were suffering from horrific burns. I couldn't bring myself to go inside, their moans could easily be heard from outside the room and I got the idea that they were very sick and in terrible pain.
So I asked the Doctor: "What do you use for pain medication here?"
Doctor's reply: "Panadol."
Me: "Panadol?? (shocked voice) Is that all?"
Doctor's reply: "Yes, if they're in a lot of pain we give them two at a time."
Stunned silence followed. I was horrified. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the benefits of paracetamol but it's by no means a miracle cure.
And that's the strongest stuff they have??? With that knowledge I was surprised there weren't more screams coming from the other rooms.
Then, later on that day I asked: "Do you get many cancer patients here?" (Thinking of my grandmother who suffered greatly at the hands of cancer.
The sad reply: "Unfortunately there's nothing we can do for cancer patients, we send them home to die."
It sounds imhumane, but in reality this hospital is saving lives. Without it, hundreds would die each year from TB, diabetes and other treatable ailments.
But it's basic. It has to be, it's run off the smell of an oily rag, and pain medication isn't affordable or practical.
And as I sit here (in my home which has mattresses on the beds), I stop feeling as sorry for myself and suddenly grateful to have at least 20 little white pills sitting beside me.
Perspective - It's a humbling thing!
Joy Reid went to Bangladesh with the help of the Asia:NZ Foundation. Her story on the Kailiakuri hospital will air on Breakfast in the coming weeks.